What is the first step in court proceedings?

The first step in court proceedings is filing a complaint. This action initiates the legal process by formally stating the grievances of the plaintiff and outlining the remedy sought from the court. When a complaint is filed, it establishes the jurisdiction of the court, identifies the parties involved, and outlines the legal basis for the claims.

After the complaint is filed, the court assigns a docket number to the case, which is a procedural step that helps the court track the case throughout its duration. However, placing the docket number is not the first action taken; it follows the filing of the complaint. Setting a court date and gathering evidence are subsequent steps that occur after the case has been acknowledged by the court and the parties have been informed. Therefore, filing a complaint is indeed the critical first step that marks the beginning of court proceedings.